Backup Your Keys

Your private key (nsec) is your identity. Losing it means losing your account forever. Here's how to back it up safely.

Why Backup Matters

No Recovery Option

Unlike traditional social media:

• No "forgot password" option
• No customer support to help
• No email reset
• If lost, it's lost forever

With proper backup:

• ✅ Access from any device
• ✅ Recover if phone is lost
• ✅ Import into new clients
• ✅ Peace of mind

Your Private Key

What It Looks Like

nsec1abc123def456ghi789jkl012mno345pqr678stu901vwx234yz567...

• Starts with nsec1
• 63 characters long
• Mix of letters and numbers

Where to Find It

1. Open your Nostr client
2. Go to Settings or Profile
3. Look for "Keys", "Account", or "Security"
4. Find and reveal your nsec

Handle With Care

• Don't display it in public
• Don't screenshot if possible
• Copy/paste carefully
• Close the screen when done

Backup Methods

Method 1: Paper Backup (Recommended)

The safest long-term storage:

1. Write it down on paper
2. Double-check every character
3. Store safely - fireproof safe, safety deposit box
4. Make a second copy in different location

Tips:

• Use pen, not pencil (fades)
• Write clearly
• Include today's date
• Note what it's for

Method 2: Password Manager

Secure digital storage:

Good options:

• Bitwarden
• 1Password
• KeePass

Steps:

1. Open your password manager
2. Create new secure note
3. Add your nsec
4. Label it clearly
5. Sync across devices

Method 3: Encrypted File

For tech-savvy users:

1. Create a text file with your nsec
2. Encrypt with strong password (GPG, VeraCrypt)
3. Store encrypted file in multiple locations
4. Remember the encryption password!

Method 4: Seed Phrase (Advanced)

Some tools convert nsec to seed words:

• 12 or 24 word phrase
• Easier to write down
• More error-resistant
• Use trusted tools only

Storage Locations

Good Places

Location	Pros	Cons
Home safe	Physical security	Fire/theft risk
Safety deposit box	Very secure	Less accessible
Password manager	Convenient	Requires master password
With trusted family	Distributed	Trust required

Avoid These

• ❌ Plain text on computer
• ❌ Email to yourself
• ❌ Cloud notes (Google Keep, etc.)
• ❌ Screenshots in photo library
• ❌ Browser saved passwords
• ❌ Sticky notes

Testing Your Backup

Verify It Works

1. Open a different client or device
2. Import your nsec from your backup
3. Confirm your profile loads correctly
4. Log out of the test device

Don't skip this step! You don't want to discover a typo when you actually need it.

Security Best Practices

Do's

• ✅ Make multiple backups
• ✅ Store in different locations
• ✅ Test your backup
• ✅ Update if you create new key
• ✅ Tell trusted person where backup is

Don'ts

• ❌ Store only on one device
• ❌ Share with strangers
• ❌ Enter on suspicious websites
• ❌ Post anywhere online
• ❌ Store unencrypted digitally

If You Haven't Backed Up Yet

Do it now! Here's the quick version:

1. Open your Nostr app
2. Find your nsec in settings
3. Write it on paper
4. Store paper safely
5. Test by importing elsewhere

What If You Lose Your Key?

If you lose your nsec with no backup:

1. Create a new account - new keys
2. Post about the change - let followers know
3. Update your profiles - website, etc.
4. Accept the loss - old posts stay, but you can't manage them

Learn from it: Always backup your new key!

Backup Checklist

• Found my nsec in app settings
• Written on paper (carefully!)
• Stored paper in safe location
• Made second copy in different location
• Tested by importing to another client
• Told trusted person where backup is

Using Signers (Alternative)

Instead of backing up nsec directly, consider a signer:

What's a Signer?

An app that holds your key and signs on your behalf:

• Key stays in one secure place
• Apps never see your actual key
• More secure day-to-day

Popular Signers

Platform	Signer
Browser	Alby, nos2x
Android	Amber
Web	nsec.app

You still need to backup the signer's key!

Advanced: Multiple Keys

Some users have multiple identities:

• Main identity
• Anonymous identity
• Work identity

Backup each key separately with clear labels.

Summary

Priority	Action
🔴 Critical	Write nsec on paper
🔴 Critical	Store paper safely
🟠 Important	Make second backup
🟠 Important	Test your backup
🟢 Good	Consider signer app

Next Steps

• Multiple Clients - Use your backup
• Your Identity - Understand keys
• Verification - Add trust layer